Its so simple. I can’t understand why they didn’t go right for the compromise if it is so important as you suggested. Much harder for Apple to protest over an event they’re worried about happening. If they don’t unlock this then they’re advertising to anyone planning a crime that this is the phone for them. I don’t know about you, i do understand the issues people have, but i find their behavior despicable.
So, in essence, the FBI cannot fight crime because of Apple phones. Nonsense. This has nothing to do with the 3-4 month old San Bernardino case. The information on the phone is probably worthless by now.
What is probable, not just possible, is that once the software is written, it will be subpoenaed and disseminated to all law and other agencies. No longer will warrants be required because the FBI, et al, will simply order (under national security letters) phone companies to allow the software to be downloaded to all or designated phones whereas they can be hacked and monitored remotely.
But personally, it doesn’t affect me as I don’t use any of the “smart” phones, facebook or twitter.